At least 1467 people were killed and over 7200 injured in the quake which rocked northern Algeria, state radio said on Friday quoting the interior ministry.
The Algerian authorities warned that as the rescue efforts continued more dead were likely to be found.
The worst affected area is Boumerdes, some 50 kilometres east of Algiers, where 955 people lost their lives.
Thousands are believed to be still trapped under tons of concrete and rubble, especially in Boumerdes, Reghaia and Rouiba, which lie on the eastern outskirts of Algiers.
Rescue teams from all over the world headed to Algeria on Friday in order to help the nation cope with the devastating earthquake. Meanwhile, the president of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced on Thursday a national mourning of three days, starting from Friday at 06h00mn AM, at the memory of victims of the earthquake.
The astronomy and astrophysics centre (CRAAG) has reviewed the magnitude of the quake up to 5.8 on Richter scale. The epicentre was located in the north of the town of Zemmouri, in the province of Boumerdes, as severely hit as the city of Algiers. (Albawaba.com)
